Oh hello, I almost got through the week without dishing up an outfit post, didn’t I?
To be honest, I’ve been all outfitted-out and have been paying homage to my inner dag this week, embracing leggings and tunic dresses while getting back into my normal writing/kid taxi-ing routine.
But yesterday, I had to frock up. I was MCing a lunch at the Sunshine Coast Business Expo – a lunch where Ita Buttrose was the keynote speaker. Umm. No pressure.
I’ve long been a HUGE fan of Ita. As a young journo, I wanted to emulate her (I wrote about my early magazine dreams here). That didn’t quite happen but over the years my respect for this business woman who paved the way for other women to succeed in the very male-dominated media industry, has grown exponentially.
Ita said yesterday that when she was starting her career there were NO female role models for her to emulate. Her role models were men.
I think as women we are guilty for taking it for granted … the pioneering stuff that women of Ita’s ilk achieved for us. And I love that she did it all while still maintaining her coral lippy and nails in a sea of testosterone.
So yesterday, for my outfit, I decided to embrace the coral/orange theme and Ita-ise my outfit.
First stop was Kmart after the school run to pick up some pantyhose to cover my pasty legs. Second stop was to my hair salon for a fabulous blow dry … because if you’ve got fabulous hair you SO can get up on the same stage as Ita, can’t you?
Hair: suite three | Lipstick: Napoleon Perdis Devine Goddess Lipstick in Niki
And the dress?
When I got back from fashion week there was a parcel waiting for me containing three new frocks from Australian label Feathers*. When I saw this one, I knew it was just the thing for my date with Ita. It’s a one-size-fits-all garment so is a bit voluminous as I discovered when people posted some photos of me from the stage on Facebook. Oops. But is great with heels and if you remember to keep one hand on your hip or in a pocket for shape 
I also wore a slip dress underneath to add extra length and prevent any undue flashings from the lectern (which I’m told is not a good speaker look?).
Dress: Feathers | Mezi | Uberkate | Gorman
And, I’m sorry but I couldn’t resist … had to get a snap with Ita. She was rocking a purple jacket, black pants and her signature coral lips and nails.
Do you think I need a signature colour? If so, can it be orange?
PS. This is one thing of the many I took away from Ita’s talk yesterday: Does your current job make you happy? Ita’s test is to ask yourself if you’d still be in the job you’re doing right now if you were told you only had six months to live. What do you think? Would you?
PPS. Speaking of my orange obsession, Cheryl the blogger behind Business Chic photographed me on the last day of Fashion Week and features me on her blog today. Love her blog for workwear inspiration with a difference.
PPPS. Happy weekend to all the mums out there. I hope you get royally spoilt. I plan to be. I also know it’s a tough day for those who have lost their mums (our family included) so extra hugs if that’s you too.
* Feathers gifted me this dress in accordance with my disclosure policy
